Chapter 18

CHAPTER 18

G wen watched as he lowered his head to her breast. He held her as he kissed her nipple and the surrounding area. His left hand massaged and caressed her other breast, and the sensation of everything was almost too much.

Almost.

It was heavenly. The throb of desire within her had started as a dull, persistent ache these past few days. When he’d brought her here to his bedchamber, it had sharpened to an overpowering lust that threatened to consume her. With anyone else, she might have been frightened by the force of her need and her emotions, but with Lazarus, everything felt…right. And wonderful.

His lips closed around her nipple, and he tongued her, much the way he kissed her mouth. She clasped his head, gripping his hair as waves of pleasure swept through her. He lightly pinched her other nipple, and she gasped. There was no pain, just a deep and surging desire that pulsed straight to her sex.

His mouth and hands moved over her, arousing her so fiercely that she panted with want. The breeches against her mound felt wet. They were also constricting, and she dearly wanted them off.

Moving one hand to her waist, she opened the buttons of the fall. He realized what she was doing and took over, freeing one breast as he made short work of the fall. Then he stepped slightly back as he pulled the garment over her hips.

She arched up to make the removal easier, and he groaned. His fingers closed more harshly around her nipple, tugging her flesh, and she cried out as her sex screamed for a similar attention. She wanted what he’d done the other night with his hand.

He swept his shirt off, baring the expanse of his muscular chest. She longed to touch him, to explore every bit of new flesh, but his hand was on her sex, gently rubbing her folds.

Suddenly, he scooped his hands beneath her and moved her onto the bed so her head was against the pillows. He settled himself on his knees, between her legs. She watched as he looked down at her, his gaze lingering on her breasts, then fixing on her sex.

Now, she felt the first bit of shyness. A shiver danced across her skin.

“Part your legs wider,” he said with a dark, husky rasp.

She did as he said, opening herself to his deeper perusal. He put his fingertip on her clitoris—she’d read this word and now knew how vital it was to a woman’s pleasure—then dragged it slowly down her crease before slipping it slightly inside her.

She needed more. Gwen lifted her hips, inviting him to put his entire finger inside her.

But he did not. He teased her with soft, gentle strokes. Then he dropped down, and his mouth replaced his finger.

Gwen cried out as she clutched his head, holding him to her in mindless abandon. Yes, this was what she wanted, and she hadn’t even realized it was possible. He licked at her clitoris and her folds, then thrust his tongue inside her. What had seemed to take forever to build last night when he’d touched her roared upon her like a giant wave on the beach.

He stroked her clitoris as he feasted upon her flesh, one hand gripping her backside, as if to hold her captive to his mouth. As if she could have moved away. But she did move—wildly, her hips bucking as she sought her release. It was so very close. Now his finger was pumping into her as his lips and tongue drove her to the brink of ecstasy.

His finger curled, touching a spot inside her that sent her over the edge. Darkness claimed her, then a dizzying array of light as her body tensed, then broke apart. She may have screamed his name. She’d no idea what was happening except that it was pure bliss.

Gradually, she began to slow, but he didn’t stop caressing her sex. He kissed her thigh, then her hip. Then he was gone completely.

She opened her eyes and saw he was unbuttoning his fall. It came loose and fell open, and he guided his shaft free. It was long and hard, and utterly beautiful. She touched the hooded end without thinking.

He put his hand over hers and guided it down along the length, then wrapped her fingers around him. Moving her hand back up to the tip, he showed her how to stroke him.

“This is what you like?” she asked, eager to please him and overcome with erotic curiosity.

“Yes.”

“Aren’t you going to take your breeches off?”

“Do you want me to?”

“It seems only fair,” she said. “Take them off. Now, please.”

He smiled. “Feel free to order me about.”

“When you say I’m yours to command, you mean in the bedroom too?”

“ Especially in the bedroom,” he said with a seductive rasp.

She had to release him as he removed the garment. When he returned, she clasped him once more. “Can I put my mouth on you too?”

“Yes, but not now. I’ll come in a horrid mess before I have any chance to put my cock inside your pussy, and I’m afraid that just won’t do.” His gaze locked on hers. “Unless that is what you prefer. I did say you could order me about.”

Gwen licked her lips. “I want your cock in my pussy, then. Now.” She decided to leave off the please.

He groaned. “Gwen, you continue to surpass every expectation I might have had. Bend your legs up, love.”

She planted her feet on the mattress as he put his hand around hers once more, and together they guided him to her sex. He pressed inside, thrusting slowly. He took his hand away, and she did the same.

There was no pain, just an uncomfortable tightness as her body became accustomed to him. He stroked her clitoris, and she relaxed as her arousal returned.

Coming over her, he braced himself on one hand. “Wrap your legs around me.”

She curled her legs around his hips, which brought him more deeply inside her. That spot his finger had found sang as his cock rubbed against it. Gwen cast her head back and moaned as an intense new pleasure rushed through her.

Lazarus kissed her, his tongue spearing deep into her mouth as his hips began to move. He withdrew almost completely then drove into her with a controlled precision. She could feel that he was being deliberate, that he didn’t want to hurt her.

The friction of him moving inside her was more delicious than she could have imagined. She moved with him, delighted when his speed began to increase. But he was still tightly reined.

He stopped kissing her as they moved faster. She marveled at the feel of his muscles beneath her legs and moved her hand down his bare back to the curve of his arse. She clasped him as she jerked her hips up.

Groaning, he thrust harder and faster. She kissed his cheek and moved her mouth to his ear. “I want you to lose control. I want to feel you explode as I did. That is an order.”

He sucked in a sharp breath. “You have to come with me,” he growled. “If you can. Please, say you can. I want to feel you squeeze around my cock.”

He reached between them and massaged her clitoris once more, his fingers moving with a fast and deft precision. Again, Gwen felt the pleasure and pressure build within her. She knew now to let go, and so she did, digging her heels into him as she moaned her release.

After a few more thrusts, he shouted, then she felt him tense, his entire body going rigid. His movements slowed, and she kissed his cheek, his jaw, his neck. He claimed her mouth, kissing her with a tender passion that made her want to smile.

He pulled his head up to look down at her. “You are magnificent.”

“You are spectacular,” she replied with a giggle.

He withdrew from her and rolled to his side, pulling her with him so they faced one another. “I can hardly wait until we are wed.”

“It will be an interminable torture now that I know what awaits me nightly.”

“Nightly, daily, afternoonly, whenever,” he said, nuzzling her neck before kissing her throat.

“I can’t stay much longer,” she said. “I need to get back to Min’s and then home.”

“You won’t be in trouble, will you?”

She shook her head. “My parents think I am at Min’s all afternoon. Which I am, of course.” She smiled at him, and he laughed.

“Of course.” He sobered. “Do you know what Jo is doing to find out about the dancing master?”

“I don’t, but I know she’ll send word—to both of us—as soon as she learns something.”

“I’m so relieved by what she was able to share about him and Miss Worsley. Though, I do feel terrible for her. He seduced her, even if she was enamored of him, he should have shown restraint.”

“I wonder what will happen. It seems her family won’t want her to marry him, but what choice will they have?”

He brushed his lips across Gwen’s forehead. “They’ll send Miss Worsley far away to visit relatives that don’t exist, and hope that no one ever discovers she gave birth to a child.”

“And her child will be removed from her, never to be seen again, probably.” Gwen’s heart ached for the poor woman. “It’s so unfair. And sad.”

Lazarus sat up. “Come, let’s get you back into your disguise. First, you’ll want to tidy.” He went to the washstand in the corner to wet a cloth, then delivered it to her.

“Thank you. That is most thoughtful.” She splayed her hand across his chest and leaned up to press a kiss against his nipple. “Next time, I want to explore this area.” She kissed his other nipple. “And this one.”

“I can’t wait.” He kissed her again, and she felt another tug of desire. It seemed she would never tire of him, not that she doubted it.

They dressed—and touched and kissed so it took longer than it ought—then he escorted her downstairs. “Did you walk here?” he asked.

“I took a hack, and I can return in the same.”

His eyes rounded. “The hell you will. I’ll walk you back.”

“We can’t be seen together,” she said.

“You’re dressed like a young man, remember?” He shook his head. “I’ll risk the scandal. As it happens, we’re already supposedly having an affair.”

“Not supposedly .” She waggled her brows at him as she laughed.

“No, not supposedly,” he said darkly, sensually. “And I can’t wait until you are publicly mine.”

“Very soon, my love,” she said. “Tomorrow, I hope.”

She just prayed Jo would find the proof they needed.

T here was no way Lazarus could sit at home and wait to hear from Jo about Tremblay or for Shefford’s man to return from Haverstock Hall. He arrived at the Siren’s Call anxious and eager, but not as tightly wound as he could have been. Spending a blissful afternoon with the woman he loved and obtaining her hand in marriage would comfort anyone.

Lazarus clung to that amidst the sea of unknown currently buffeting him. He could see Gwen’s smile, hear her joyous laugh, feel her electrifying kiss. And soon, she would be entirely his.

He was already quite hers, even if he wasn’t yet her husband.

Scanning the common room, he didn’t see Jo. He didn’t feel like roaming the gaming rooms for her, so he approached Becky and asked where he could find Jo.

“She isna here,” Becky replied in her thick brogue as she balanced a tray carrying four tankards of ale. “I expect her soon, though. Probably.” She shrugged and took herself off to deliver the beer.

He exhaled with frustration, but decided he would wait. As he made his way to the usual table he occupied with his friends, Shefford came in and joined him.

“Before you ask, my man hasn’t returned,” Shefford said as he sat. “I was hoping he might have sprouted wings. Perhaps you did too.”

Lazarus chuckled. “That would have been helpful.”

Shefford cocked his head and studied him intently. “You are surprisingly relaxed. What’s going on? Did you learn something new?”

“I have, in fact.” Though, the primary reason behind Lazarus’s not-horrible mood was due to Gwen. “But before I get to that, I will share that as of this afternoon, I am betrothed. I’m afraid you’ve lost another friend to the dreaded parson’s trap.”

Jaw dropping, Shefford paled. “You can’t be marrying Miss Worsley? That makes no sense.”

“God, no! I am wedding Miss Gwendolen Price. I hope her brother won’t find that awkward.”

Shefford sat back in his chair, his shoulders dipping. He almost looked defeated. “ I find it awkward. But not because of Miss Price. She’s lovely.”

“She is, and I love her beyond measure.”

“I confess I am shocked. I didn’t think that would happen to you.”

“Why not?” Lazarus asked, genuinely curious.

“You never seemed interested in that,” Shefford said with a faint shrug.

“It isn’t that I wasn’t interested, I just wasn’t looking for it, I suppose.” Lazarus contemplated why for a moment and realized it was because until he’d met Gwen, he hadn’t been completely himself. Not even with his friends. He’d opened himself up to her about things he kept secret, and by doing so, he’d apparently made himself vulnerable. He smiled.

“You look disgustingly happy.”

Lazarus laughed. “Quite. But let me tell you the other reason I am feeling relieved. Gwen was with her friends earlier, and Jo had the most interesting piece of information.”

“Jo is part of their set now?” Shefford asked.

“I’m not sure, but she was there.”

“That is baffling.” Shefford gave his head a shake. “I can’t imagine how they even know each other.”

“My fault,” Lazarus said. Becky approached their table, bringing them their usual ale. She exchanged a few pleasantries, but didn’t linger.

Shefford took a long draught before fixing on Lazarus once more. “How is it your fault?”

“Jo arranged for me to attend a literary salon, and I brought Gwen. They met and became acquainted.”

“You took Miss Price to a salon… How? ”

“Er, it involved a disguise. She wanted to attend a literary salon, and I wanted to make her happy.”

Shefford blew out a breath. “You are in love. What is this compelling piece of information that Jo possesses?”

“As it happens, Miss Worsley was in love with her dancing master last fall. His services were terminated, and he was paid not to speak of it. And we know this dancing master is at least somewhat of a libertine because he was employed by Gwen’s mother for a short period recently, and he made unwanted advances on Gwen.” Lazarus still wanted to beat the man.

Shefford stared at him. “How have you not hunted him down yet?”

“Jo said she would seek to confirm whether Tremblay—that’s the dancing master—is the child’s father.” Lazarus paused, mulling Shefford’s question. “You make an excellent point, however. Perhaps we should go find him now.”

“We fucking well should,” Shefford said, taking another pull on his ale.

Lazarus couldn’t wait to interrogate the man. And plant him a facer. Perhaps not in that order. He took a drink from his tankard before rising from the table.

However, he didn’t move toward the door, because Jo had just walked in. He waved at her, and her gaze fixed on him. Nodding, she came straight for their table, the dark skirts of her walking dress flowing as she moved with swift purpose.

“Josephine, is there anything you don’t know?” Shefford, who’d also stood, asked with a crooked smile.

“Plenty, but I can usually find out.” She returned his smile, but hers was slightly mischievous. She sat at the table. Lazarus and Shefford retook their chairs.

“You spoke with Tremblay?” Lazarus asked.

She shook her head. “I wasn’t able to find him. However, I did speak with his musician assistant. He’s called Nott, and he plays music for Tremblay’s dancing lessons.”

Shefford, who sat opposite Jo, leaned forward. “And what did he say?”

“He confirmed Tremblay and Miss Worsley had an affair, and that Tremblay was paid to keep silent about it,” Jo said looking at them both intently. “He was not aware that Miss Worsley was with child. I do wonder if Tremblay even knows he’s to be a father.”

Lazarus smacked his palm on the table. “I knew it wasn’t me.”

“How can you be certain it was Tremblay?” Shefford asked. He glanced at Lazarus. “Sorry to cast doubt, but we should be absolute in our investigation. Perhaps she had other lovers.”

“I suppose that’s possible, but she was, according to Nott, rapturously in love with Tremblay. She wrote him letters that Tremblay would read in a mocking voice to Nott.” Jo grimaced. “I feel so badly for Miss Worsley, as it seems her affections were not reciprocated.”

“And yet, he was quite happy to bed her,” Lazarus said with disgust. That was a true reprobate. Was it any wonder she preferred to marry someone else?

“The timing is also perfect, as far as aligning with your fox-hunting party,” Jo continued. “The affair with Tremblay occurred from late October into December. Apparently, he and Nott visited Haverstock Hall the first week of December to continue Miss Worsley’s instruction. That was when he was dismissed. Nott presumes they were caught, but Tremblay didn’t share the details with him.”

“But Tremblay told him he’d been paid to be quiet?” Shefford asked.

“Yes, because he gave a portion to Nott to ensure his silence as well. However, it seems it was a very small portion, as Tremblay lived a rather lavish lifestyle until recently. Perhaps he is now out of funds. Nott seemed a trifle peeved.”

Shefford turned his head to Lazarus. “I say we continue with our plan to seek out Tremblay.”

“Agreed.” Lazarus couldn’t wait to find the man. “Jo, where can we find him?”

“ If you can find him, but perhaps you’ll have better luck at some of his usual haunts around Leicester Square. He lives on Gerrard Street.” She gave them the number of his lodgings and also provided Nott’s address.

“Jo, you are a marvel.” Lazarus leaned over and kissed her cheek.

“You can’t go about kissing other women anymore,” Shefford said in a mock scolding tone. He looked toward Jo. “He’s gone and got himself betrothed.” He rolled his eyes and scoffed.

Jo grinned. “Congratulations. I was not present when Gwen returned this afternoon, but I will assume she shared the happy news with Min and Ellis, who were.”

“Once I deal with this situation and put it behind me, I will call on her father,” Lazarus said, wishing he didn’t have to wait. “I am hoping that will be tomorrow.”

Shefford stood again. “I don’t see why not. Since tomorrow is when you are supposed to offer for Miss Worsley else she will inform her father and grandfather, we need to conclude this matter.”

Jo rose, and Lazarus did the same, meeting her gaze. “I can’t thank you enough for your assistance in this. You are helpful in a great many ways. Some man will be lucky to have you one day.”

A dark laugh leapt from her wide mouth. “That man doesn’t exist. I am as committed to remaining as unwed as Shefford there.” She gave him a commiserative nod, and he returned it.

“Solidarity,” he said in a low tone. He looked to Lazarus. “Come, our prey awaits.”

Lazarus anticipated his capture.